Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold launches PFA-backed initiative for youngsters who fail to make pro grade – The Athletic
Trent Alexander-Arnold is launching a bold new initiative to provide career opportunities for youngsters who don’t make it as professional footballers.
The After Academy, which has the backing of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), will provide help and support to those who have dropped out of the academy system at elite clubs.
Advertisement
Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool since the age of six but he knows he is one of the lucky few to have gone all the way through the system and reached the top.
The England international, who is investing a large sum of his own money in the project, was moved to act after hearing accounts from released former academy players about how the experience had negatively affected their education, career prospects and mental health.
“I loved my time at the Liverpool Academy. It gave me everything I have today and I’m so grateful to be in the position I’m in,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“That feeling of lifting trophies for your childhood club is magical and I wouldn’t swap it for anything in the world, but if things didn’t work out the way they did I could have been one of those being told the dream is over.
“I’m fortunate to not know what that conversation is like but I know from my friends and other former players how hard it hits and how tough it can be.
“I’m proud of this programme as it looks to give another chance to those who didn’t make it, and I hope it is just a first step towards a brighter future for these young players.”
Alexander-Arnold’s commercial partners Red Bull, Under Armour and Therabody have all committed support to the programme by vowing to offer jobs, work placements and internships across various departments to former scholars.
Liverpool Football Club are also on board with Alexander-Arnold inspired by the work of the club’s academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, who has made supporting former players a priority through their alumni programme.
Alexander-Arnold believes football as an industry needs to do more and is hoping the After Academy will play an important part in addressing the issue.
PFA CEO Maheta Molango said: “As the players’ union, we always want to help our members use their influence and their networks to make a difference on issues that matter to them.
Advertisement
“This project from Trent is a perfect example of what can be achieved by players using their platform in a positive way.
“Pursuing a career in football brings unique challenges in terms of personal development and wellbeing. Helping players plan for their future is central to the work the PFA does. We’re excited to be working with Trent and look forward to being part of his journey with the After Academy.”
GO DEEPER
Failed players sacrificed childhoods too. Does football care about their futures?
(Photo: Getty Images)
